Chimney Rock State Park reopens

Chimney Rock State Park re-opened to the public after the park was closed due to a safety hazard.

According to park spokesmen Chimney Rock State Park re-opened Saturday, April 20 after being temporarily closed for road work.

The N.C. Department of Transportation removed a large boulder that was identified as a safety hazard hanging over the main road.

“The safety of our guests and park associates is of utmost importance. Now that the boulder has been dropped and cleared away we’re happy to be able to welcome guests back just in time to celebrate Earth Day and enjoy the Park’s spring scenery and many wildflowers in full bloom. Our Carolina rhododendron, flowering dogwood and silverbell trees are spectacular,” said Mary Jaeger-Gale, general manager of Chimney Rock State Park.

Crews from DOT, which maintains roads within N.C. state parks, worked to break off a 4-to 5-ton section of a massive boulder that partially protruded over the road half way between the Meadows and top parking lot, said a spokesmen.

According to the spokesmen, they used a combination of methods to remove the rock, including drilling holes to insert an expansion agent to crack the rock and blasting with explosives.

Special events will be held as planned guest can meet a State Park Ranger at State Parks Stewardship Day this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the River Walk behind the Old Rock Café in Chimney Rock Village. A guided spring wildflower walk by wildflower photographer Stephen Faucette will be offered to park guest with advance registration from 1-3 p.m.

The third annual Buzz on Bee swill offer fun, educational activities about honey bees next Saturday, April 27, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For additional information on the park, the latest reports on what’s blooming and more upcoming events, visit the Chimney Rock website.

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